Wilder Ranch Ascent: ~7 miles & 1700' TEG [Westside Workouts]

Knee-hab -- The Latest Wednesday Workout for happy joints!

Help us map out a new Ascent Trail in Wilder Ranch! We are building a repertoire of one-way ascents, with cars to shuttle us back down, for more time-efficient and knee-efficient training hikes.

This is an Explore Hike, meaning we will all be testing out our route together. Wilder Ranch is not exactly a remote wilderness, so this is not as wild and crazy as some of our adventures, but you should be a relatively fit and experienced hiker. Or, stay tuned and we will offer it again after testing the ropes.

Wilder is beautiful this time of year, with lush green foliage and wildflowers galore. This hike combines dense redwood and oak forests, expansive open meadows and wonderful scenic views of the ocean. Expect to see wild turkeys and the recent rains may bring a fresh round of mushrooms and perhaps some late-breeding newts!

Sea to Sky Route: Our trail goes from the main parking lot to the tippy top of Wilder Ranch, exiting onto Empire Grade where the getaway cars are waiting. Strenuous.
It's long hike with a couple of steep climbs but otherwise moderately difficult. About 50/50 shade and exposed. We'll hike a steady ~2/mph. Distance and elevation gain are estimates. We'll take a snack break mid-point.

Bring: Layers for variable temperatures. Water. Snacks.

Schedule:
Arrival time is posted, hike departs 10 minutes after that.

Where to meet:
Meet in the Wilder Ranch parking lot at the picnic tables by the bathrooms. (There is free parking along Hwy 1, but come early so you can find the right trail to climb up to the main parking area, or ask for more info. Better yet -- carpool and split the State Park fees, or buy a season's pass!)

Facilities @ parking lot:
Well maintained pit toilets. Water.
Cell service is good for ATT, probably others.
Map and nature info at trailhead.

Hazards include ticks, poison oak, poison hemlock, rattle snakes, cows, cougars, bikes.

Legal Disclaimer: The organizers and hosts in this group are not professional guides, and each person who signs up for a trip/meetup/ or outing is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests and property. Outdoor activities are inherently hazardous. By signing up for this hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with vigorous outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge “Connect Outdoors”, the organizer, assistant organizers, event organizers and event hosts of this Meetup group from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities. As always, this is a “Participate at your Own Risk” event.